Say it aint so… but it is and I’m more than shocked. Epic Games announced today that Cliff Bleszinski or better known as CliffyB has departed for parts (currently) unknown.CliffyB is mostly remember for the work he’s done on several gaming series while he was on-board with Epic Games, mostly notable being the “Unreal” franchise, “Unreal Tournament” franchise and more recently the “Gears of War” franchise.
So why is he leaving? Looks like he just wants a break as his parting words seem to indicate;
“I’ve been doing this since I was a teenager, and outside of my sabbatical last year, I have been going non-stop. I literally grew up in this business, as Mike likes to say. And now that I’m grown up, it’s time for a much needed break.
I will miss the projects, the playtests, the debates, and most importantly, the people. Epic only hires the best of the best, and it has been a joy working with each and every one of you on a daily basis, whether you were hired weeks ago or decades ago. I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with a variety of disciplines, from code to art to marketing and PR – it’s been one big, rewarding learning experience. I’m confident that each project that is being built, whether at Epic, Chair, PCF, or Impossible will be top notch and will please gamers and critics alike.”
Damn I cut my gaming teeth on Epic’s games mainly Jazz Jackrabbit, Unreal and Unreal Tournament, which CliffyB helped create. Probably wouldn’t be as huge a PC guy if it wasn’t for people like him among others.
Good Luck where ever you land Cliff, though I’m still .99999% upset there never was a “True” Unreal Tournament follow-up to Unreal Tournament 2003/2004. Keep in touch with your fans, cause you know.. we love you so!
Source: Epic Games Blog
